The latest attempt at packaging innovation for the take home from Charles Wells is real ale in a cask. This follows its Personal Pub Kit ­ Real Ale in a PET which came complete with a tap dispenser. This went on limited test in 1999 in a number of Sainsbury stores. Charles Wells said it had been received very well. This prompted the brewer to refine the concept and look at ways of extending the category. The result is Bombardier Fresh Real Ale Mini Cask which has been the subject of internal trials for several months. This is a live product identical to that served in pubs and contains sediment which occurs naturally in draught ale. The cask, which holds 8.8 pints (five litres), is on test in five Asda stores with a roll-out scheduled for later in the summer. The product requires some care before it can be opened and drunk. It has to be kept in a cool place and left to stand for four hours. A small amount must be drawn off and discarded to remove any sediment from inside the tap. Once opened it will last for four days. Commercial director Nigel McNally estimated the market opportunity in the off-trade for Fresh Real Ale is £250m. Camra has leant its support to the mini cask by allowing its new Ask if it's Cask' logo to be used on it. The cask will sit alongside the Personal Pub Kit in Asda. This is now available in 1.5 litre and three litre PETs. {{DRINKS }}